Man linked to weapons cache case sentenced to state prison

A Garberville man linked by authorities to a backroads chase and a cache of over 100 firearms hidden in a cave was sentenced to seven years and eight months in state prison this afternoon.

Earlier this month, Ryan Floyd, 30, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon. Floyd was convicted of first degree burglary in 2003, according to court records -- and nine other felony counts, including possession of marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin for sale, as well as evading a peace officer and receiving stolen property.

"Despite the large amount of stolen property, it is difficult to get a long prison sentence for just possession of stolen property, so seven years eight months is pretty good," Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Elan Firpo said.

Due to the firearms connection, the case may be picked up by federal prosecutors, Firpo added.

Defense attorney Neal Sanders declined to comment on the sentence, but said that Floyd will initially be sent to San Quentin State Prison for three to six months while authorities decide which prison he will serve his time in.

Floyd was arrested in February after allegedly leading Humboldt County Sheriff's Office deputies on a chase along rural roads in a stolen vehicle.

A restitution hearing will be held at a later date to determine how much Floyd owes all of the victims. Sanders will be present on his behalf.

Anyone who believes their property was stolen should bring documentation such as receipts, serial numbers or photographs into the sheriff's office, or should call Ryan Chamberlain, sheriff's office property clerk, at 445-7251, Firpo said.